Founders Quote Day 3

"From the omnipotent Power who dwells in the unclouded serenity of being, without variableness or shadow of change [James 1:17], we proceed as from the Fountain of Good, the Author of Hope, and the Source of Order and Justice, now that we assemble to commemorate the revolution, the independence, and the advancement of our country!... The festival which we keep is the festival of freedom itself - it belongs not to us only, but to man. All the nations of the earth have an interest in it, and humanity proclaims it sacred!... Trusting in the Providence of Him, the Universal Father, let the country advance to the glory and prosperity to which - mindful of its exalted priviledges - it aspires! Wherever its voice is heard, let it proclaim the message of liberty and speak with the divine energy of truth [and let] the principles of moral goodness [be] consistently followed in its actions! And while the centuries - as they pass - multiply its population and its resources, let it manifest in its whole history a devoted attachment to public virtue, a dear affection for mankind, and the consciousness of its responsibility to the God of nations!" -July 4th, 1826 by George Bancroft, the "Father of American History", Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of Defense.